SEREMBAN, Nov 7 – Negeri Sembilan expects about 7,000 visitors at its state-level Deepavali Open House on November 14, as the state prepares to celebrate the Festival of Lights with communities across the state.
The celebration will take place at the Seremban City Council (MBS) Hall from 11 am to 4 pm.
Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim said the state government had increased this year’s Deepavali Carnival allocation to RM70,000, compared with RM30,000 last year.
More Activities and Traditional Indian Food
Visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes representing Negeri Sembilan’s diverse communities and cultures.
The event will place particular emphasis on traditional Indian cuisine. Organisers also aim to create a welcoming atmosphere where people from different backgrounds can celebrate together.
Ismail invited residents throughout Negeri Sembilan to attend the event and take part in the festivities.
He said the celebration would help strengthen relationships among communities while promoting harmony and national unity.
Deepavali Assistance to Reach Rural Communities
Meanwhile, the state government has extended its Deepavali support to rural areas, including plantation estates.
Ismail said the government had allocated assistance and organised programmes to benefit members of the Indian community who need support.
He stressed that the state wants to ensure everyone can access the assistance and facilities provided during the festive season.
Seremban’s Little India Proposal Under Review
In a separate development, Ismail said the state government would discuss a proposal to officially gazette Jalan Dato Lee Fong Yee as Seremban’s Little India.
He plans to discuss the proposal with the Seremban City Council mayor before the government makes any decision.
According to Ismail, the area already has a strong identity as Little India among local residents. He also believes it has the potential to become one of Negeri Sembilan’s tourist attractions.
The proposed recognition could further highlight the area’s cultural identity and tourism potential.
As Negeri Sembilan prepares for the November 14 celebration, the open house aims to bring communities together through food, culture and shared festive traditions.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
